Marilyn Monroe was more than just a glamorous movie star; she was also a passionate reader. Her love for literature was evident throughout her life. At the time of her death, she had a personal library containing more than 400 books. These books were constant companions during her tumultuous life, as she moved 49 times in her 36 years.
Marilyn mingled with many writers, from Vladimir Nabokov to John Steinbeck, and even married the playwright Arthur Miller. Her collection reflected a diverse taste in literature, featuring works by great authors like Albert Camus and Marcel Proust. She included poetry by William Blake and Walt Whitman, and biographies of significant figures, demonstrating her quest for knowledge and understanding.
In 1951, as her career soared, Monroe enrolled in literature classes at UCLA. Critics often dismissed this as a publicity stunt. However, those who knew her recognized her genuine dedication to improving herself through reading. Despite facing insecurities and the pressure of being seen as just a pretty face, she used books to explore her identity and beliefs.
Gale Crowther, in her book Marilyn and Her Books, notes that Monroe’s reading habits were a way for her to better herself. She favored classic and literary works over contemporary bestsellers, perhaps to avoid the risk of being judged for her choices. Her extensive reading was accompanied by reflections, many of which were noted in the margins, showing that she engaged deeply with the texts.
Interestingly, Monroe voiced strong opinions about the books she read. She critiqued Ernest Hemingway’s characters, saying they often felt the need to prove their toughness through violence. Despite her eagerness to discuss literature, journalists rarely asked her about her reading life, which added to her struggles for respect in intellectual circles.
Following her untimely death in 1962, her books were stored in a unit in Manhattan. Years later, in 1999, her library was auctioned off, and books that had once provided her solace are now part of history.
As we look forward to the centennial of her birth in 2026, it’s fascinating to consider what literary dreams she had. Monroe imagined herself bringing Shakespearean plays to life and even thought about starting a festival dedicated to the Bard. Her tragic end leaves us wondering what literary contributions she might have made had she lived longer.
Marilyn’s journey emphasizes the power of reading as a path to understanding oneself. Her life story encourages us not just to appreciate literature but to embrace it as a means of personal growth. For anyone interested in the intersection of celebrity and literature, her life offers rich insights into the complexities behind the public personas we see on stage and screen. For more about her reading life, you can check out the Los Angeles Times article here.
